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Pirlo expects long Euro journey Sep 27, 2012 Andrea Pirlo is confident that Juventus can make an impact on their return to the Champions League. The Bianconeri began their European Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw at Chelsea and the playmaker is hoping that is the start of a special journey. “I hope we can go all the way, but it's a tough competition with big teams taking part,” the Italian international told Champions Matchday. “Still, we have every chance to go a long way. I don't know if we can even win it, but we will surely try.” Pirlo took no part in the 2011-12 competition given Juventus’ failure to qualify for Europe, but he knows what it takes to succeed given his success in the tournament with Milan. “That special Champions League melody has allowed me to experience great emotions,” he added. “I missed it a lot last season, but now we are back on this fantastic European stage. We will try to do as well as possible.” The Old Lady have been placed in Group E and will also come up against Shakhtar Donetsk and Nordsjaelland. “We all know Chelsea, they are the defending European champions,” Pirlo continued. “As for Shakhtar, they play good football. “I know Mircea Lucescu because I had him as a Coach at Brescia when I was starting out. “We don’t know the Danes that well yet, but we will play with the same mentality whether we are home or away.”

Ancelotti: Real Pirlo will return Sep 27, 2012 Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti is confident that former pupil Andrea Pirlo will soon be back to his inspirational best. The Juventus player has struggled so far this season and there are suggestions that he could even be rested again – after the Chievo tie – for the weekend encounter against Roma. “Players can go through moments of difficulty,” Ancelotti, who bossed Pirlo at Milan, told Tuttosport on Thursday. “It’s not the first time that it has happened. “Juventus can remain calm because you’ll soon see that he will return to his old self.” After another subdued performance in the 0-0 draw at Fiorentina on Tuesday, Pirlo was advised to quit international football by Zvonimir Boban. “I don’t think that will happen at all,” Ancelotti added. “Andrea is very attached to the Azzurri shirt and I doubt anything has changed in that regard.” Juventus were linked with the ‘new Pirlo’ in the summer, but 19-year-old Marco Verratti instead left Pescara for Paris SG. “They are similar in terms of personality,” Ancelotti added. “There are differences on a technical level though, even if they both have great vision. “Verratti has surprised almost everyone in France so far, also because he is so young.”

Pogba wants to be world’s best Sep 27, 2012 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is certainly not lacking ambition after speaking of his hopes for the future. “Juve can help me to realise my dream of becoming the best player in the world,” he told RMC in an interview. “That is my target and to do that you need to be playing for the best clubs around, like Juventus,” he added. “The competition for places is tough, but I want to play 25 games this season and become one of the top five young players on the planet.” Pogba, 19, joined the Turin giants in the summer after his contract at Manchester United expired. He’s made two Serie A appearances so far this season for a total of 123 minutes. Reports today suggest that he could start against Roma on Saturday in place of Andrea Pirlo. Pogba also revealed his international dreams. “I still need to take a few more steps in order to play for France, but appearing for my country at the World Cup in 2014 is another of my objectives.”

Causio: Pirlo needs rest to recapture magic The World Cup winner believes that the midfield star could profit from some tactical adjustments in his game, after a fatigued start to the season. Sep 26, 2012 Juventus legend Franco Causio has claimed that Andrea Pirlo may need to consider a different approach to his game. The 33-year-old was one of the Bianconeri's key players in their unbeaten 2011-12 Serie A campaign and one of the stars of Euro 2012, as Italy reached the final of the competition. However, the creative midfielder has struggled to recapture his form of last season, with fatigue believed to be the, causing him to be rested for the victory over Chievo on Saturday. Speaking to Sky Sport 24, Causio said: "Is Pirlo having difficulties? I think he has imposed himself. He is finding it a little tough, but you mustn't forget that he is a bit tired and needs a rest. "Currently, he is the man who opposing teams are marking out; he is being patrolled and it is not easy for him to exert himself and have the freedom that he had last year." The former winger also offered advice to the Italian playmaker on how he could exert his authority on the game and compared his situation to that of former Juve star Michel Platini. "If I were Pirlo, rather than playing in front of the defence, I'd prefer to play behind the striker - Vucinic or someone else," he suggested. "I'd want to see someone helping him out. Platini was equal to Pirlo; he was a marked man. Without Scirea supporting him, he was lost in certain games." Causio also lent his support to Sebastian Giovinco and thinks that his game could improve if he drops deeper. "Giovinco is not a problem, but he must find the right position on the pitch. If he continues to play on the shoulders of the centre-backs, he will struggle," the 1982 World Cup winner added. "He must push back 20 yards, pick up the ball in midfield and face the opponent square on."

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 How to beat the unbeatable: Fiorentina show Serie A that Juventus are fallible Vincenzo Montella's side gave the champions a real run for their money at the Artemio Franchi, giving the rest of the league a blueprint for success against the Old Lady. Sep 26, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer Their unbeaten run may have survived the trip to Florence on Tuesday night, but Juventus had to overcome the toughest test yet during their 16-month streak of Serie A invincibility. And Fiorentina’s gameplan has set a blueprint for the rest of the league to follow as the Bianconeri’s rivals are given fresh hope of getting something from their forthcoming clashes with Antonio Conte’s side. After overcoming a rocky first hour against Genoa nine days earlier, when they struggled to contain the threat of Ciro Immobile and Marco Borriello from direct balls in behind, the Italian champions were given another scare by Vincenzo Montella’s men, but this time there was no second-half rally and no warm feeling inside come full-time. Yes, Juve remain unbeaten, and will very likely remain top of the league after the remainder of the matchday five fixtures. But after a four-game spell of convincing victories, the Bianconeri looked fallible. And it was not in defence where they were second best, not even in attack, where their profligate strikers has often left them with one point when it should have been three. Instead, it was – for once – in midfield that they fell short. Alongside Emanuele Giaccherini – playing in the central three in place of the rested Claudio Marchisio – Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal had nowhere near the success to which they have become so accustomed to in recent times, in turn giving Fabio Quagliarella and Sebastian Giovinco nothing but scraps to feed off up top. For the Viola, Romulo, David Pizarro and Borja Valero provided the right mix of breathless pressing off the ball and composure on it to ask the kind of questions Juve have hardly had to answer of late. Between the three of them, they gave the Scudetto holders a proper run for their money, and would perhaps have seen their efforts turn into a victory had Fiorentina had a true marksman to call upon. Juventus’ own Achilles heel under Antonio Conte has been their lack of a true No.9, so it was perhaps ironic that they were let off the hook by a team bearing the same flaw. While Stevan Jovetic and Adem Ljajic both showed great ability, neither is a poacher, and the Serbian even missed his side’s best chance when running free in the right channel, pulling his shot wide of the far post. But while Conte will be relieved to have left the Artemio Franchi with a point, it will have been of serious concern to him that his midfield, the bedrock on which they have built some success, was outplayed in what was probably Juve’s worst game under the former Siena boss’ guidance. The subdued performance of Pirlo resulted in the regista being hooked for the final quarter, with Paul Pogba replacing him, but even Vidal was below par for long spells, despite one incredible challenge in the penalty area. The Chilean has been carrying an ankle injury since the first half of the Champions League fixture against Chelsea last week, playing over 200 minutes of football in the six days following the twist which would have seen most people replaced at Stamford Bridge. But if subdued performances are to become the norm from Pirlo in particular during the busy calendar to come, then it will need a quick transition from back-up to true first-teamer from Pogba to fill the gap. On the left of the three, Marchisio should return against Roma on Saturday, but will doubtless need time off again soon, and Juve can ill-afford another midfield display like Tuesday’s. Kwadwo Asamoah may have been a better option in the centre than Giaccherini once it became obvious that Fiorentina would be such a danger on the ball, with the Ghanaian’s better defensive make-up being more equipped for the task, but bench coach Massimo Carrera decided to stick with the former Udinese man on the left. Before the game, Carrera claimed there was a telepathy between he and Conte which was helping the Old Lady to sail smoothly through the period of the coach’s matchday suspension, but between them they seemed to have got their gameplan wrong on this occasion. Montella, meanwhile, will have had mixed feelings at full-time. The memories of last season’s 5-0 mauling at the hands of the Turin side have been buried, but he will surely feel that his outfit should have taken the full three points. Their solid start to the season continues though, and they have already demonstrated in their opening five games that they will have a say in the shake-up come May. They have proven that Juventus can be bettered, now it is up to somebody else to apply the same commitment in midfield as Fiorentina while offering a similar threat to Genoa in attack in order to bring them down before they get any nearer to Milan’s 58-game unbeaten record. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Pogba: I want to become the world's best player at Juventus The French midfielder was impressive on his full debut for Massimo Carrera's side against Chievo and is now ready to start pressing his claims on the global stage. Sep 26, 2012 Paul Pogba hopes that his transfer to Juventus can help fulfil his dream of becoming "the best player in the world". The France youth international turned down a new contract at Manchester United in the search of more regular first-team football, and impressed on his Bianconeri debut against Chievo at the weekend. Pogba understands his chances may be limited in such a competitive midfield, but is determined to seize the opportunity when it arises, as he expressed his hopes for the coming season and his long-term ambitions. "I want to be the best, so you have to play with the best at the best clubs," he told RMC. "My goal is to play 25 games this year and be one of the top five young players in the world. With France, I must skip some steps. To play at the World Cup in Brazil is an objective." The 19-year-old is yet to represent Les Bleus' senior side, but will be hoping to feature against Roma on Saturday.

Pirlo should retire from international football, says Boban The former Croatia international has advised the Juve playmaker to hang-up his boots for the national side, while he does not think Stevan Jovetic is a world-class player. Sep 26, 2012 Former AC Milan star Zvonimir Boban feels it would benefit Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo's form if he retired from international football with the Azzurri. The experienced midfielder has been struggling to find his best form in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign, and Boban believes representing Italy as well as competing in the Champions League with Juve could be too much for Pirlo at his age. "I think that it's time for Pirlo to leave some duties behind. He should retire from international football," Boban stated to Sky Sport Italia. "He has been lacking the brilliance that he showed last year, and I think it may be down to the fact that he has too many commitments. He hasn't had much rest this summer." Boban then went on to voice his opinion that Fiorentina attacker Stevan Jovetic, who was close to joining Juve in the summer transfer window, is not of the highest calibre just yet. "He is a superb player and I have no doubts that he would have done well at Juventus had the transfer gone through. "Nevertheless. I do not think that he is good enough to be described as world-class."

Jovetic had agreed to join Juventus, claims Marotta The Turin giants' general director has stated that the attacker was ready to join the Serie A champions in the summer transfer window. Sep 26, 2012 Giuseppe Marotta has claimed that Fiorentina attacker Stevan Jovetic had already given a transfer to Juventus in the summer transfer window the go-ahead, before the move eventually fell through due to financial reasons. The reigning Serie A champions had earmarked the Montenegro international as the perfect addition to their attack, but they failed to reach an agreement with Fiorentina over a transfer fee. Jovetic revealed earlier this month that Juve pushed hard to sign him in the summer, but that he opted to stay at the Viola as he's happy with life at his current club. Nevertheless, Marotta claims that the 22-year-old was ready to make the move to the Champions League hopefuls. "Jovetic? It's a positive thing that the player and his entourage gave us the green light in the summer. It is useless to further discuss it. I can only say that we are closely monitoring a number of great players," Juventus' general director said to reporters. Jovetic is under contract with Fiorentina until June 2016.

Bonucci on Viola and Roma Sep 26, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci has looked back to the Fiorentina game with contentment and ahead to the Roma tie with confidence. The Old Lady’s 100 per cent League record ended with a 0-0 draw against the Viola on Tuesday, but the stopper was pleased with the result. “Fiorentina played really well and it was certainly a point gained for us, rather than two points lost,” he argued. “We extended our unbeaten record to 44 League games and, even if we didn’t win, I’m still happy as we did well at the back.” The League leaders are next in action on Saturday when they will play host to great rivals Roma and their boss Zdenek Zeman. “We now await Roma,” Bonucci continued. “We know it will be a great game, but we are still hungry for the victory. “It will be another important match, but the Juventus Stadium will be a hot pit and that will give us the right sort of push. “I have confidence in myself and in my teammates.”

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 Pizarro: We should have won Sep 26, 2012 David Pizarro admits that Fiorentina are disappointed with the 0-0 draw against Juventus, but believes they made a clear statement to the rest of Serie A. The Viola had the better of the chances at the Stadio Franchi on Tuesday evening, but the Old Lady held on for a point. “There is disappointment,” the Chilean playmaker noted. “We wanted the three points, but we just couldn’t find a goal. “Nevertheless, we are on the right road. Today was an important test to see at what point we are at in our development. “This is a new side and to have put Juventus in such difficulty is certainly something important for the future of Fiorentina. “Over the summer, slowly but surely, important players arrived and the enthusiasm increased. There is a great environment here and an excellent squad.” Fiorentina are currently fifth in the table after collecting eight points from five games. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 ‘Pirlo should quit Italy and JoJo...’ Sep 25, 2012 Zvonimir Boban wasn’t short of an opinion before and after the Fiorentina-Juventus tie. “Andrea Pirlo should retire from the national team and Stevan Jovetic is not world class.” The former Milan creator, now a TV pundit for Sky Italia, feels that the Italian international may need periods of rest this term. “Pirlo should think about leaving some duties behind,” Boban said after the 0-0 draw in which Pirlo was substituted by Paul Pogba. “I’m thinking about the national team. “He hasn’t stopped and he’s lacking some brilliance right now because he has so many commitments…” The playmaker moved to the Old Lady in the summer of 2011 and inspired them to the Scudetto last season. He then helped Italy reach the Final of Euro 2012. Pirlo, who now also has the Champions League to take into account this term, was rested for the 2-0 win over Chievo on Saturday. Before last night’s Tuscan encounter, the ex-Croatia player was also asked for an opinion on Jovetic – the Fiorentina sensation who Juve targeted in the summer. “He’s an excellent player and he certainly would have done well had he joined Juventus,” Boban noted. “However, I don’t think he is good enough to be defined as world class.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 Montella: 'We deserved to win' Sep 25, 2012 Vincenzo Montella is proud of Fiorentina’s performance against Juventus and “we probably deserved to win.” The Tuscans had by far the better chances in tonight’s 0-0 draw at the Stadio Franchi, including a crossbar hit by Stevan Jovetic. “I am definitely satisfied with my lads,” said the Coach. “We probably deserved to win if we had been a little more incisive or perhaps fortunate. “I must compliment the team and the fans, as it was a wonderful evening of sport. We faced an excellent team with open and attacking football. It’s a shame we didn’t win, but we hold on to the performance and the character of this Fiorentina. “It would have been wonderful to win and these players deserved a satisfaction like that.” Montella was asked whether this step up in quality showed Fiorentina could challenge for the top places in Serie A this season. “We must continue along this path. It’s a long road ahead of us and there could be obstacles. We need balance when considering our campaign. “Right now we will enjoy this evening, but we haven’t done anything yet. There’s potential, though.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 Carrera: 'Credit to Fiorentina' Sep 25, 2012 Massimo Carrera credited Fiorentina for forcing a bad performance out of Juventus. “We were unable to do what we wanted to.” The Bianconeri ended their 100 per cent record in Serie A this season, but the 0-0 draw at the Stadio Franchi stretched their unbeaten League run to 44 games. “It isn’t always necessary to crush your opponents, as at times you also have to be good at containing them,” argued stand-in Coach Carrera. “Fiorentina deserve a lot of credit, as they ran hard for 90 minutes and played very well. We were unable to do what we wanted to. “We knew Fiorentina would put in the performance of a lifetime, so it was a show of strength for us to keep them quiet and maintain the clean sheet. “We had to block David Pizarro, although we didn’t manage it that often.” Surprisingly, Andrea Pirlo was substituted in the second half to make way for Paul Pogba just days after he was rested against Chievo. “We need to find a way he can work more than rest. Playing every three days means Pirlo doesn’t have much time to train, but he is always very important to our team. “Leonardo Bonucci had a muscular problem in the warm-up, but his performance was excellent.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 Buffon clings to 'good point' Sep 25, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon praised Fiorentina and said Juventus “suffered” for their point at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. The Bianconeri didn’t really have a shot on goal during tonight’s 0-0 draw, whereas the Viola rattled the crossbar with Stevan Jovetic. “We were tired tonight, just as our opponents may well have been considering they also played on Saturday. They did well,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia. “You can tell Fiorentina have a great Coach and a tactical system they believe in. It can happen to draw a game like this, there’s no shame in that. “We suffered, but they only had three or four dangerous scoring opportunities. The fact we kept a clean sheet means this is a point well earned.” Coach Antonio Conte was in the Plexiglas booth along with Juventus Channel commentators, as there were fears he’d be too exposed to supporters in the stands. “The public in Florence responded well to the situation, as did ours. There were no incidents and the rivalry was maintained on an acceptable level,” concluded Buffon. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 There's no shame in drawing, says Buffon after Juventus' draw with Fiorentina The Bianconeri No.1 admits his side looked tired after playing at the weekend, but spoke positively about picking up a hard-earned point against a strong Viola outfit. Sep 25, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon remains upbeat despite Juventus playing out a goalless draw with Fiorentina on Tuesday and their failure to create any real chances in the process. The 34-year-old was also quick to praise the Viola, who had the best chance of the game when the goalkeeper saw a Stevan Jovetic effort cannon off his crossbar. "We were tired tonight, just as our opponents may well have been, considering they also played on Saturday. They did well," conceded Buffon after the match. "You can tell Fiorentina have a great coach and a tactical system they believe in. There's no shame in drawing a game like this. "We suffered, but they only had three or four dangerous scoring opportunities. The fact we kept a clean sheet means this is a point well earned." In the build-up to the fixture, it was speculated that suspended coach Antonio Conte would be exposed to Tuscan supporters in the stands of the Artemio Franchi, but Buffon praised the atmosphere in the stadium. "The public in Florence responded well to the situation, as did ours. There were no incidents and the rivalry was maintained on an acceptable level." Meanwhile, Juventus interim boss Massimo Carrera admitted Fiorentina deserved all the plaudits following their attempts in stifling the attacking potential of his side. “It isn’t always necessary to crush your opponents, as at times you also have to be good at containing them," the former defender argued. "Fiorentina deserve a lot of credit, as they ran hard for 90 minutes and played very well. We were unable to do what we wanted to. "We knew Fiorentina would put in the performance of a lifetime, so it was a show of strength for us to keep them quiet and maintain the clean sheet. "We had to block David Pizarro, although we didn’t manage it that often." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 Player Ratings: Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus The Bianconeri escaped from Florence with a point and a 44th unbeaten game as the home side were unable to take their chances. Goal.com takes a closer look. Sep 25, 2012 Fiorentina Emiliano Viviano - Not called into action much, but made no mistake with the routine. Gonzalo Rodríguez - Marked Quagliarella well, though Juve’s lack of impetus in the attacking third meant that he wasn’t put under as much pressure as one might have expected. Facundo Roncaglia - Good show at the back as he refused to be rattled, and got forward to good effect as well, smashing a shot just wide after a mazy run from deep. Manuel Pasqual - Not given much to do in his own half of the field, so spent his time bombing forward dangerously to support the attack. A threat out wide, and almost scored a late winner with a header from point blank range that was sent wide. Nenad Tomovic - Like the rest of his defensive colleagues, he was not put under a lot of duress by the visitors. Still though, he kept his concentration well to deal with whatever came his way. Rômulo - Injected some energy into the hosts’ attack. He picked his moments to surge forward very well and was difficult to halt once in full flight. However, his shooting left a lot to be desired. David Pizarro - An accomplished and composed display on the ball, as he never looked fussed when in possession. A great focal point for his team to channel their attacks through, and did well at keeping the ball under pressure. Outdid Pirlo at his own game. Juan Guillermo Cuadrado - Probably the coolest player on the ball tonight, as his trickery on the flanks was a nightmare for Juve to deal with. He played an instrumental role in setting up a few great chances for his team. Also, in his own half of the field, he popped up in the right place at the right time to snuff out a few Juve chances. Borja Valero Iglesias - Distributed the ball simply and effectively, and his decision making was key in keeping the Fiorentina attack ticking. Disciplined in tracking back and covering when not on the ball. Stevan Jovetic - For the first half hour he was isolated an anonymous in attack, but he grew into the game as time progressed. Crashed a strong header off the bar and nodded another effort just wide in the second half, as his runs from deep often went unnoticed by the Juve defence. Adem Ljajic - Isolated for long spells, and did not fare well when on the ball either. Dragged a finish wide from a position where he really should have scored, and was booked for a dive after going down too easily in a tussle with Chiellini. Looked more dangerous in the second half though, as he adopted better attacking positions. Substitutions Matías Fernández - Some crisp passing, and looked fresh in the latter stages of the game. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon - Not often tested despite the home side's dominance. Looked to have his posts covered on a few long range efforts that went off target. Giorgio Chiellini - Looked a little shaky in the first half, but improved as things went on the make a relatively strong finish to the game, despite Fiorentina’s late surge. Andrea Barzagli - Generally able to keep a handle on things, and stepped forward to good effect to curtail the effectiveness of Ljajic whenever he looked to drop deep. Good show in the air as well, winning his fair share of headers. Leonardo Bonucci - A solid first half was almost undone when he allowed Ljajic to beat him for pace and strength at the end of the first half, with only the Serbian’s profligacy sparing his blushes. Stephan Lichtsteiner - Not the sturdiest of performers in defence as he was beaten a few times by opposing fullback Manuel Pasqual, who was able to get past him with sheer pace. Andrea Pirlo - Not able to stamp his authority on the match in his usual manner, as there was not a lot of movement in front for him to facilitate. Indeed, he was outshone by Pizarro in the central area. Kwadwo Asamoah - Did not get forward as much as he would have liked, but he was sound and energetic in defending his flank, and tracked into the box to cover to good effect when danger lurked in a more central position. Arturo Vidal - Defensively he was sound in the first half, tracking back well and winning the ball, particularly one last-ditch challenge to take the ball off Ljajic’s toes deep inside the area. But he faded after the break, and was terrible offensively throughout, as many of his passes forward were intercepted. Emanuele Giaccherini - Offered nothing noticeable to his team’s cause. Appeared rather lightweight as Fiorentina were able to bypass him often, and rather useless when going forward. Mediocre at best today. Sebastian Giovinco - The lone offensive spark for Juve in the first half. He was afforded space to drop deep and receive the ball, and his dribbling from such a position caused Fiorentina problems. Faded as the second half wore on. Fabio Quagliarella - Did not contribute anything for his team in attack, as he failed to make any meaningful runs or touches on the ball whenever his team was in possession. Hauled off for Vucinic in the second half after an ineffective display. Substitutions Paul Pogba - Rather ineffective after coming off the bench. Mirko Vučinić - Provided a little more thrust than Quagliarella in the moments following his introduction but gradually fell into the same lull as his team. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 Home side dominate in a clash of similar systems Sep 25, 2012 3-5-2 versus 3-5-2, and one point apiece. Vincenzo Montella made three changes. The most significant involved him selecting the industry of Romulo over the creativity of Mati Fernandez. Adem Ljajic came in for Haris Seferovic, and Manuel Pasqual for Mattia Cassani. Antonio Conte and Massimo Carrera decided to rest Claudio Marchisio, with Emanuele Giaccherini starting instead. Fabio Quagliarella replaced Mirko Vucinic after his impressive impact in the last couple of games. Fiorentina were the better side but struggled in front of goal, with Juventus seemingly happy with a point. Formations This was a very ‘obvious’ tactical battle. The two sides set out very similarly – three centre-backs, energetic wing-backs expected to cover a lot of ground, a clearly-defined regista spreading the play, two central midfielders ahead doing battle, then a nippy support forward dropping off the main striker. When four-man midfields play ahead of three centre-backs, they’re necessarily more conservative than when playing ahead of a back four, because the wide players have to defend the flanks more keenly. When two of these midfields face each other, the result is generally a cagey battle. To use a chess analogy, it’s as if all sixteen pawns have been moved two spaces forward, and there’s a mass block either side of the halfway line. There’s space in defensive positions, but little forward movement for the likes of David Pizarro and Andrea Pirlo (the queens?) to look for. Creativity? In such an identical clash of systems, there was concern about where the attacking drive and creativity in the final third would come from. In Pizarro and Pirlo the game had two of the finest deep-lying playmakers around, but the absence of both Marchisio and Fernandez meant the central midfield zone was otherwise functional. Borja Valero is a fine passer and showed good ability to play one-twos and move into dangerous positions, but Arturo Vidal’s role was mainly defensive, with Fiorentina dominating possession. Romulo and Giaccherini were runners. The home side were better on the ball, moving it quicker across the midfield – but the primary cause for their dominance was simply their ambition, urged on by a packed Artemio Franchi. Juventus were cautious – the midfielders stayed in position, the wing-backs spent more time in their own half. Fiorentina also started off more compact, with Ljajic and Stevan Jovetic dropping deep and helping defend – Juve’s forwards started in a more relaxed manner, although eventually did the same. Ljajic and Giovinco The key to the game was getting the two support forwards involved. Ljajic and Sebastian Giovinco are not dissimilar players – part-winger, part-playmaker. Because of that ability to play wide, they both offer good lateral movement, and both drifted into good positions towards the flanks, with the main strikers contained by the back threes. In one minute shortly before half-time, long balls towards first Giovinco and then Ljajic got both into promising positions – Giovinco miscontrolled, Ljajic dragged his shot wide of the far post from the game’s most promising opportunity. In Facundo Roncaglia, Fiorentina had the centre-back most willing to step forward and join the midfield battle, and another thing Montella’s side did better was getting their main striker involved. Quagliarella’s movement was poor and he was the first player to be withdrawn, while Jovetic dropped deeper and had a bigger impact, providing another passing option and getting into the box. Second half Frustratingly, for a game between two well-matched sides, there was no real tactical progression. At the start of the second half Ljajic seemed to play deeper, occupying Pirlo more than in the first half. This made him less of a direct attacking threat, although he sped past Pirlo when Fiorentina got the ball, and Carrera was concerned enough to remove Pirlo and introduce Paul Pogba, who tracked Ljajic’s runs much more effectively. Vucinic replaced Quagliarella, Marchisio replaced Giaccherini – both attacking moves, but this changed little because Juve weren’t getting the ball forward. Ljajic was nullified by Pogba, so Montella brought on Fernandez in his place, trying to provide more creativity. He waited until 77 minutes to make the first change, though, and his final two substitutions were in the last five minutes – indicating he was happy with his side – with the exception of their inability to find a finish. Conclusion A goalless draw was never assured as Fiorentina went close on an number of occasions, but the 0-0 was always a possibility simply because of the lack of attacking players in the final third. Giovinco and Ljajic were given huge creative responsibility – Ljajic was brighter yet typically frustrating, offering good movement and clever dribbling, but being booked for diving and missing the game’s best chance. Fiorentina were more positive and better in almost every area. Pizarro outshone Pirlo, the wing-backs played higher up the pitch, the two forwards were more involved, there was more attacking urgency from the centre-backs. Juve were underwhelming, but illustrated why they’re on such a long unbeaten run with a battling, committed display. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 The Champions Remain Unbeaten Sep 25, 2012 The champions Juventus dropped their first points of the season with a 0 – 0 draw away to Fiorentina, in a game in which they were lucky to avoid defeat to their fierce rivals. Fiorentina had the better chances in the game and went close in the first half through Adem Ljajic who put the ball just wide after going clean through on goal. Stevan Jovetic also went close for the home side in the first half but his header agonisingly rattled of the crossbar to deny him his fifth goal of the season. Vincenzo Montella’s men continued to push for a goal in the second half but didn’t manage to breach the Bianconeri defence. Juventus created no great chances throughout the game but they held on for a undeserved draw, and are now unbeaten in 44 games in the league. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 Fiorentina v Juventus Report Sep 25, 2012 Fiorentina gave Juventus a stern test of their unbeaten record, which stretches over a season, but the Bianconeri held on to a 0-0 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi which keeps them at the top of Serie A. The Viola had two penalty appeals turned down in the first half and Stevan Jovetic rattled the crossbar with a header as Juve were put to the test. Fiorentina had the best chances in the second half too, but were unable to find a way past the defending champions, who defend their place at the top of the table. Adam Ljajic was involved in most of the Viola's attacks in the first half, and he wanted a penalty on two occasions when he went to ground inside the penalty area - but he was given a dressing down by the referee each time. Ljajic only had himself to blame for not giving the home team the lead in the 41st minute when he dragged his shot wide of the post with only Gianluigi Buffon to beat. Only seconds earlier, Jovetic beat Buffon with a header, but the crossbar kept the ball out. Fiorentina held the upper hand in the second half too with Juan Cuadrado going the closest to breaking the deadlock in the 73rd minute with a low shot which was just inches wide of the left-hand upright. Full-back Manuel Pasqual headed wide in the 81st minute before Buffon touched a speculative shot behind for a corner. Luca Toni was sent on as a late gamble by Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella, but the former Juve man did not have the key to the Juve defence either as the Tuscan side had to settle for a point. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000 Hosts dominant but Bianconeri retain unbeaten league run The defending champions were far from their best in Florence, but escaped with a point as Vincenzo Montella's men were unable to convert their superiority into goals. Sep 25, 2012 Juventus extended their unbeaten run to 44 Serie A matches on Tuesday, despite playing out an unconvincing 0-0 draw against Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi on Tuesday. A cat-and-mouse encounter saw the hosts control proceedings, with Stevan Jovetic hitting the woodwork in the first half as the Viola were unable to take what chances fell their way. The Old Lady, meanwhile, displayed little interest in attacking throughout the match, and rode their luck at times to claim a fortunate point, which nonetheless increased their lead at the top of the table to three points over second placed Napoli. Sebastian Giovinco was picked ahead of Mirko Vucinic to partner Fabio Quagliarella in attack for the visitors, while Andrea Pirlo also returned to the starting XI. For the Tuscans, midfielder Romulo was drafted into the line-up, with Adem Ljajic and Jovetic beginning together up front. Fiorentina seemed to have the edge in matters during the early exchanges, and saw a penalty appeal correctly go unanswered after Ljajic was challenged inside the area by Leonardo Bonucci. They were up in arms again 25 minutes into the game after the impressive Manuel Pasqual was felled in the area by Arturo Vidal, though replays suggested that the Chilean had got a touch on the ball first. Juventus’ first-half display offered more evidence to their growing reputation as slow starters, with a pair of tame efforts from Giovinco about the best they could muster. The Viola continued to hold the upper hand throughout the first period, but chances remained at a premium as Juve were able to pack numbers back in their own half. That all changed minutes before the break, however, as Fiorentina fashioned two clear-cut chances from which they really should have gone ahead. First, David Pizarro whipped in a devilish free-kick that Jovetic headed onto the crossbar from point-blank range. Then, Ljajic spurned an equally-great opportunity, dragging a shot across the face of goal with only Gianluigi Buffon to beat after racing clear of Bonucci. The pattern continued at the start of the second half. Facundo Roncaglia drilled just wide from outside the box after beating two players on a mazy run, and Jovetic guided a good header off target after connecting with Juan Cuadrado’s cross. The tempo of the match slowed down markedly after that, as Juventus seemed content to defend deep in their own half, without providing any penetration in attack. Fiorentina, though, continued to look the better side, and Cuadrado went close in the 73rd minute when his low belter from the edge of the area flew the wrong side of the post. The Colombian then created an even better chance for Pasqual minutes later with a great cross into the heart of the area, but the full-back was unable to make the most of it and headed wide. Fiorentina continued to push forward in the closing stages of the game, but were unable to create any more meaningful chances as Juventus held on to claim a point that they scarcely deserved. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 0 Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 21000‎ Juve survive Viola scare Fiorentina had the better chances, including a Stevan Jovetic header off the bar, so Juventus can be content with a point that ends their perfect record. Sep 25, 2012 “This is not a game. This is The Game,” said Viola captain Manuel Pasqual before stepping into this clash of immense rivalry, one the home side hadn’t won since 1998. Adem Ljajic was chosen as partner to Stevan Jovetic, while Romulo got the nod ahead of Giulio Migliaccio. Juve were defending the only remaining 100 per cent record in Serie A this season, but rested Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic. Antonio Conte was in the stands due to his 10-month ban, but opted for the Plexiglas coverage of the commentator’s box used by Juventus Channel, as the VIP box was considered too open to potential missiles from fans surrounding it. Ljajic went down far too easily under a Stephan Lichtsteiner challenge in the first few minutes, then Sebastian Giovinco’s angled drive skimmed the far post and Pasqual volleyed over from a corner. The Stadio Franchi was up in arms when Arturo Vidal went in with a last-ditch sliding tackle on Pasqual, but the referee ruled he got the ball and replays suggest he was right. Some wonderful one-touch football set up Ljajic for a shot deflected wide off teammate Juan Cuadrado. David Pizarro was caught in possession by Andrea Pirlo and was booked for handling as he scrambled to get it back, stopping a dangerous counter-attack. From the resulting free kick, Pirlo’s effort whistled wide of the near post. The closest chance of the game so far came after 40 minutes when a Pasqual free kick from near the corner flag found a glancing Jovetic header that cracked against the crossbar with Gigi Buffon beaten. Less than a minute later, Ljajic sprung the offside trap in the final third from a Cuadrado pass and sprinted past Leonardo Bonucci, but pulled the angled drive just wide of the far stick. Gonzalo Rodriguez was booked for clipping Giovinco’s heels in first half stoppages and the touched-on free kick for Quagliarella went off target. The tension escalated after the break when Ljajic was booked for simulation in the D, though there was certainly some contact with Giorgio Chiellini. Soon after, Vidal was carded for a fairly similar challenge on Jovetic. Facundo Roncaglia cut in from the right and placed a daisy-cutter inches wide of the upright, then another Jovetic glancing header whistled past the post. Buffon smothered a long-range Jovetic effort and Pasqual’s taut cross flew along the box with nobody able to get a final touch. Massimo Carrera tried to shake things up by introducing Vucinic and Paul Pogba. Romulo scrambled a Giovinco free kick clear, but a Cuadrado screamer grazed the base of the far post from the edge of the box. Pogba had to stick to Ljajic like glue to stop him getting the shot away at the by-line, then Jovetic was furious with Cuadrado for wasting a counter-attack. Pasqual had a fantastic chance when Jovetic failed to get to the cross, so his diving header at the back post flashed across the face of goal to skim the far post. Buffon had to punch a deflected Pasqual cross out from under the bar, but even Luca Toni coming off the bench couldn’t break the deadlock. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiorentina: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Cuadrado, Romulo (Migliaccio 91), Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Ljajic (Mati Fernandez 76), Jovetic (Toni 87) Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo (Pogba 68), Giaccherini (Marchisio 73), Asamoah; Giovinco, Quagliarella (Vucinic 58) Ref: Tagliavento http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Siamo imbattibili, caro Montella.

Ecco l'ex Luca Toni.

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento HT: Juve woodwork denies Fiorentina Sep 25, 2012 Fiorentina rattled the crossbar, missed a great chance and had a penalty appeal, but it’s still 0-0 with Juventus at half-time. “This is not a game. This is The Game,” said Viola captain Manuel Pasqual before stepping into this clash of immense rivalry, one the home side hadn’t won since 1998. Adem Ljajic was chosen as partner to Stevan Jovetic, while Romulo got the nod ahead of Giulio Migliaccio. Juve were defending the only remaining 100 per cent record in Serie A this season, but rested Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic. Antonio Conte was in the stands due to his 10-month ban, but opted for the Plexiglas coverage of the commentator’s box used by Juventus Channel, as the VIP box was considered too open to potential missiles from fans surrounding it. Ljajic went down far too easily under a Stephan Lichtsteiner challenge in the first few minutes, then Sebastian Giovinco’s angled drive skimmed the far post and Pasqual volleyed over from a corner. The Stadio Franchi was up in arms when Arturo Vidal went in with a last-ditch sliding tackle on Pasqual, but the referee ruled he got the ball and replays suggest he was right. Some wonderful one-touch football set up Ljajic for a shot deflected wide off teammate Juan Cuadrado. David Pizarro was caught in possession by Andrea Pirlo and was booked for handling as he scrambled to get it back, stopping a dangerous counter-attack. From the resulting free kick, Pirlo’s effort whistled wide of the near post. The closest chance of the game so far came after 40 minutes when a Pasqual free kick from near the corner flag found a glancing Jovetic header that cracked against the crossbar with Gigi Buffon beaten. Less than a minute later, Ljajic sprung the offside trap in the final third and ran into the box, but pulled the angled drive just wide of the far stick. Gonzalo Rodriguez was booked for clipping Giovinco’s heels in first half stoppages and the touched-on free kick for Quagliarella went off target. Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time) Fiorentina: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Ljajic, Jovetic Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Giovinco, Quagliarella Ref: Tagliavento http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Giovinco starts for Juventus against Fiorentina The Atomic Ant returns for Massimo Carrera's side, as the Viola go with Romulo over Matias Fernandez. Sep 25, 2012 Juventus have recalled Sebastian Giovinco for the trip to Stadio Artemio Franchi to face Fiorentina on Tuesday. The former Parma man will start up front in place of Mirko Vucinic, alongside Fabio Quagliarella. Elsewhere, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal will return to the starting XI, with Emanuele Giaccherini, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah playing with them. In defence, Andrea Barzagli comes in for Lucio, with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci keeping their places at the back. For Fiorentina, they have brought in Brazilian midfielder Romulo to the starting line-up, to play alongside Borja Valero and David Pizarro. Juan Cuadrado and Manuel Pasqual will flank them, with Gonzalo Rodriguez, Facundo Roncaglia and Nenad Tomovic playing at the back. Stevan Jovetic and Adem Ljajic will start up front. Fiorentina (3-5-2): Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Pasqual, Valero, Pizarro, Romulo, Cuadrado; Ljajic, Jovetic Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Giovinco http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/